Friday, July 22, 2011

Norma Roth, author of Aging Gracefully with Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly, has never submitted lightly to various changes wrought by the hands of time, and thus she found a mission to spread that attitude and knowledge through her writing and lectures. For as long as she can remember, Norma always had a book or something to read wherever she might happen to be, whether just going to the local car wash or vacationing around the world, the mantra is to always have something to read and that helps keep the brain buzzing away with activity.

A recent Johns Hopkins Health Alert noted that "the minor memory lapses that occur with age-associated memory impairment can't be eliminated completely; however, a number of common-sense strategies can improve overall memory at any age." Everyone forgets things, the reaction to the forgetting tells all and as we deeper into the online revolution there seems to be even more to remember, like all those Internet User Names and Passwords. It is vital we don't get too scared by forgetting, but it is also even more vital that push back the tide of time, and Norma Roth's life work and books are targeted at doing exactly that.

Here are some more 9-Memory Tips from John Hopkins Health Alerts for memory improvement to compensate for changes that are normal and not necessarily debilitating or disastrous. These run along the same lines as Norma Roth's Ten Tips Plus To Keep People Off Your Back that are found in her book, Aging Gracefully with Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly.



Memory Tip 1: Place commonly lost items in a designated spot. If you're prone to losing certain items, such as keys or eyeglasses, pick a spot and always put the items there when you are not using them.



Memory Tip 2: Write things down. If you have trouble remembering phone numbers or appointments, write them down and place the list in a conspicuous spot. Making a daily "to do" list will remind you of important tasks and obligations.

Memory Tip 3: Say words out loud. Saying "I've turned off the stove" after doing so will give you an extra verbal reminder when you later try to recall whether the stove is still on. Incorporating people's names into the conversation immediately after you have met them helps, too.

Memory Tip 4: Use memory aids. Use a pocket notepad, cell phone, wristwatch alarm, voice recorder or other aids to help remember what you need to do or to keep track of information.



Memory Tip 5: Use visual images. When learning new information, such as a person's name, create a visual image in your mind to make the information more vivid and, therefore, more memorable.

Memory Tip 6: Group items using mnemonics. A mnemonic is any technique used to help you remember. For example, when memorizing lists, names, addresses and so on, try grouping them as an acronym. Another mnemonic technique is an acrostic. Acrostics use the first letter of each item to create new words that form a sentence or phrase. Using rhymes or creating stories that connect each element to be remembered is also helpful.

Memory Tip 7: Concentrate and relax. Many environmental stimuli compete for your attention at any given time. To remember something, concentrate on the items to be remembered. Pay close attention to new information and try to avoid or block out distractions. Anxiety and stress can inhibit recall. Learning a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing or muscle-relaxing exercises, may help.



Memory Tip 8: Get plenty of sleep. During sleep the brain consolidates and firms up newly acquired information. Studies indicate that people are better at remembering recently learned information the next day if they have had a good night's sleep.



Memory Tip 9: Rule out other causes of memory loss. If you suspect that you are having memory difficulties, consult your doctor. Some medical conditions can cause memory problems that can be corrected, including depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid dysfunction, use of certain medications, vitamin deficiencies and stress.

Here is a Rebecca Reads Review of her book, Aging Gracefully with Dignity, Integrity and Spunk Intact, Aging Defiantly



Age 55 has come and brain power has left! Where did I leave my keys? Is the garage door closed? Did I leave the oven on? Meet my friend, whatshisname. These are common enough events for all of us growing into maturity, or what is better known as the "Silver Generation". It is the time in one's life when conversation revolves around issues of aging, the most frightening being problems of word and memory retrieval. Fear of dementia and failing health are a constant plague. Attitudes toward growing old have to be revisited and changed.

Norma Roth suggests that fear of aging and the panic that accompanies it should be met head on, first with recognition and then with a plan of attack. In the first half of the book she addresses with anecdotal humor, the occurrence of common worrisome situations, and then offers plans of attack. She encourages seniors to relook at their lives and acknowledge strengths and weaknesses. An honest self-appraisal is the first step in dealing with anxieties and handling the obstacles.

In Part 11 Roth offers a detailed list of techniques offering this generation simple useful skills to use in aging boldly yet gracefully. She urges them to accept the weaknesses that age brings and deal with them. She offers skills to be learned to retrieve memories and language through a relearning process. Best of all, she teaches that self-respect is an important tool in maintaining a good image. The author encourages self-recognition of a lifetime of experience which can invaluable in their empowerment.

This self-help book acts as a pep rally for the Silver Generation. It is a bit repetitive but none the less offers positive advice.

For more about Norma Roth and her books go to www.normarothbooks.com

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